Preview: Notts County v Pools

We turn our attentions to Tuesday evening's action by bringing you everything you need to know about our trip to Notts County.

Notts County v Hartlepool United

Sky Bet League Two

Tuesday 12th April 2016

Kick-off: 7.45pm

The Story So Far

Notts County celebrated their first win under new boss Mark Cooper at the weekend as they squeezed past Stevenage 1-0 at Meadow Lane.

It was The Magpies’ first win in eleven attempts and it’s that sort of form which goes a long way to explaining why Cooper is the third permanent boss that County have had this season.

Ricardo Moniz was allowed to completely overhaul his squad during the summer following relegation from League One and a push for at least the play-off places was expected.

However, an inconsistency has blighted their campaign – something which is highlighted by the fact they have won back-to-back league games just once so far.

Moniz’ replacement Jamie Fullarton initially made County more difficult to beat but, after their 3-2 success at The Vic in early February, they then lost six of the next seven – a run which was enough to cost the Scot his job.

One To Watch

Midfield stat Liam Noble proved the match-winner again on Saturday when his goal ten minutes from time was enough to secure three points against Stevenage.

The former Sunderland and Carlisle man has scored ten goals this season from midfield and The Magpies have not lost in any of the games in which he’s found the net.

Tough and uncompromising in the tackle – backed up by the fact he’s been sent-off twice this season – Noble also has plenty of ability on the ball and has been a consistent performer for County.

Tuesday evening’s game will be the 30th competitive meeting between the two side and both have enjoyed a dozen victories with the other five games ending all-square.

County’s win at The Vic in February bucked the trend for this fixture to go with home advantage, with both Pools and The Magpies historically struggling on each other’s patch.

Indeed, Pools have lost on their last three visits to Meadow Lane and you have to go back as far as December 2006 for the last victory there when Andy Monkhouse’s first goal for the Club was enough to bag the three points.

Darren England will take charge of only his second-ever Pools game this weekend when he’s the man in the middle for trip to Notts County – just as he was due to be for the original fixture which was postponed.

The official was on the whistle for our opening game of the current campaign when we defeated Morecambe 2-0 at The Vic after spending the majority of last season working in the Conference.

He’s dished out six red card and 91 yellows in his 26 outings so far this season with his most recent appointment coming at the weekend when he oversaw Cambridge United’s 1-0 win at Newport County.

Ticket Information

Tickets are no longer on advance sale from The Vic but Pools fans will be able to buy on the turnstiles prior to kick-off at Meadow Lane.

Click here now for full information on tickets for the fixture.

Live Commentary

Pools fans all over the world will be able to listen to full online commentary of Saturday’s game by logging-on to Pools PlayerHD from 7.45pm.

Click here now for more information on accessing live commentary of every game on Pools PlayerHD.

Betting

Pools are rated a 19/10 shot for victory on Tuesday evening, with hosts Notts County installed as 7/5 favourites and the draw available at a price of 23/10 with our friends at Sky Bet.